Category Archives: Issues
August 2018
The Future Is Knocking: Novel Sensors Could Enable Smarter Textiles
A next-generation smart textile has been developed by a team of University of Delaware (UD) engineers using light, flexible, breathable carbon nanotube composite coatings on a range of natural and synthetic fibers, such as Kevlar, wool, nylon, Spandex, and polyester. Fabric coated with this sensing technology could be… Continue reading
August 2018
IL Passes Law to Facilitate Access to PT Services
On August 16, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner (R) signed House Bill 4643, which allows consumers to pursue and begin physical therapy (PT) services without a doctor’s referral while still ensuring professional medical oversight safeguards. The law, effective immediately, permits physical therapists to… Continue reading
August 2018
PT Assessment, Referrals by ER Staff after a Fall May Reduce Revisits
In 2014, about 2.8 million older adults visited the emergency room (ER) for a fall-related injury. Some estimates show that 25% of older adults visiting the ER for a fall returned for at least one additional fall-related visit, and 15% of those older adults died within the following year. Continue reading
August 2018
CMT Patients Experience Improved Gait, Balance with AFO Usage
Use of orthoses can help improve the gait and balance of patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, but patients don’t always follow recommendations for their use, a review study has found. The study, “The Role of Orthotic Service in Modern Rehabilitation of Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease,” was… Continue reading
August 2018
CDC: 1 in 4 U.S. Adults Have a Disability
One in 4 U.S. adults — 61 million people — have a disability that impacts major life activities, according to the “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report” released by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on August 16. Mobility is the most common disability type, affecting 1 in 7 adults under age 65 and about 2 in 5 adults age 65 and older. Continue reading
August 2018
LSUHealthNO Studies Innovative Approach to Improve Walking In Children with CP
Noelle Moreau, PhD, PT, an associate professor of physical therapy at Louisiana State University Health New Orleans (LSUHealthNO) School of Allied Health Professions, has received a $2.5 million grant to study the effectiveness of an innovative approach to improve the ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP) to walk. Continue reading
August 2018
Clinic Openings
Ageility Physical Therapy Solutions opened four new clinics throughout the state of Washington during August. The clinics are located in Shelton, Bremerton, Burlington, and Mount Vernon and mark Ageility’s first operations in the Pacific Northwest. Continue reading
August 2018
Sigvaris CompreFlex Reduce Enhancements and Accessories
Sigvaris has launched new accessories and upgrades for its CompreFlex Reduce product portfolio. The CompreFlex Reduce system is designed to be a comfortable, easy-to-don-and-doff, inelastic wrap for patients with medically complex edema, including lymphedema. It is available in black and beige, and includes thigh… Continue reading
August 2018
kyBoot Swiss Air-Cushion Shoe
The kyBoot Swiss-made air-cushion shoe is designed to create an unprecedented level of comfort during walking. The Walk-On-Air sole provides a floating-like experience due to its soft, springy, air-cushion properties, while allowing the user to feel every detail of the floor. The kyBoot reportedly relieves strain on joints and… Continue reading
August 2018
Performance Graphite Orthotic
Foot Management’s latest technology allows engineered nylon to be blended with carbon graphite to produce Performance Graphite. This blend creates a lightweight shell that offers functional control with less bulk. High tensile strength and flexible modulus means Performance Graphite does not fatigue, creep, or… Continue reading
August 2018
JMS Plastics Fiberglass Casting Tape
JMS Plastics Supply, Inc., introduces J-Cast, a new orthopedic fiberglass casting tape that is simple to mold and comfortable to wear. J-Cast is designed to offer excellent ventilation and less irritation than similar existing products and is engineered to be easy to apply and to provide superior adhesion and outstanding… Continue reading
August 2018
Swede-O Inner Lok 8 Ankle Brace
The Swede-O Inner Lok 8 ankle brace features a patented internal figure-eight strapping system, which assures proper strap placement and simulates professional taping. The top strap covers the laces and locks the figure-eight straps in position and offers a quick-release feature that allows the user to easily remove the… Continue reading
August 2018
Cascade Dafo Fast Fit Bug
Cascade Dafo, Inc., creator of the original DAFO (Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis), has added the Fast Fit Bug to its line of prefabricated shoe inserts. This low-profile shoe insert is designed to control mild to moderate pronation. Partnered with a supportive shoe, the Bug promotes a stable gait by raising the medial arch and… Continue reading
August 2018
Smartroller Guide to Optimal Movement, Second Edition
Smartroller Guide to Optimal Movement, Second Addition, is available exclusively from OPTP. The guide can be purchased alone or as a package set with the Smartroller foam roller, a two-sided foam roller that helps promote balance, awareness, and core strength while recognizing tensegrity concepts. Continue reading
August 2018
Fracture Boot
Elite Orthopaedics, Inc., offers the Pro Select Walker Series fracture boot, which is available in Air and Non-Air configurations. The Pro Select is ultra-lightweight, registering 10-15% lighter than comparable fracture boots, and features an ultra-low heel height that helps prevent external hip rotation while… Continue reading
August 2018
K-Tape Could Be Helpful in Treatment of Dancers
Nearly 70% of university level ballet and modern dancers report ankle sprains, and 75% have been identified as having chronic ankle instability (CAI). Yet, unlike collegiate football or basketball players, half do not receive medical care for these injuries. Why not? White ankle tape, braces, and boots do not help a dancer improve live performance. Continue reading
August 2018
Resistance Bands, BAPS, or Combo—All Work Well in CAI Rehab
Three 10- to 20-minute sessions per week for 4 weeks of resistance bands, BAPS board, or a combination of the two, worked equally well as rehabilitative treatment for chronic ankle instability (CAI) in high school and adolescent athletes, according to the findings presented in the poster, A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of a 4-Week Ankle Rehabilitation Program on… Continue reading
August 2018
Ankle ROM in CAI
As part of a larger investigation and evolution of rehabilitation paradigms for those with chronic ankle instability (CAI), Cameron J. Powden, PhD, LAT, ATC, assistant professor, Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation at Indiana State University, led a research team with colleagues from the… Continue reading
August 2018
CAI Is Unique to Each Ankle, Treatment Should Be Too
“Balance training isn’t a cookie-cutter treatment that should be used for every patient with CAI,” said Christopher J. Burcal, PhD ATC, co-director of Omaha Sports Medicine Research Laboratory and assistant professor of athletic training at the University of Nebraska at … Continue reading
August 2018
Look at Reactive Balance After Sprain
To better understand how ankle sprains negatively affect balance, Kyung-Min Kim, Ph.D., ATC, assistant professor, University of Miami Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, and South Korean colleagues looked at the effects of acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) on reactive balance. Their findings were presented in the poster, Reactive Balance Following Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain.5 Continue reading
August 2018
Slip, Trip, Stumble, Fall: An Overview of Falls in the Elderly and How to Prevent Them
When 88-year-old Doris fell getting out of the bathtub late on a Tuesday in the apartment she shared with her 90-year-old husband of 65 years, the ambulance took her to the hospital. As suspected, she had broken her right hip, which was surgically corrected Wednesday morning…
By Janice T. Radak Continue reading
August 2018
Evidence Builds for Tai Chi as Falls Prevention Intervention
Tai chi, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, consists of body rotations, semi-squat positions, and slow, controlled movements. As one moves through the various stances, balance shifts between single- and double-leg support, thereby incorporating gait, balance, and lower-limb strength training all at once.
By Janice T. Radak Continue reading
August 2018
Preventing Age-Related Muscle Loss
Shortly after age 50, the rate at which a person loses muscle mass begins to accelerate.1 Figure 1 is a graphical representation of the average number of quadriceps muscle fibers present in adults aged 18 to 82.2 Looking at the center of the graph, it is clear that the number of muscle fibers remains stable until around age 50.
By Tom Michaud, DC Continue reading
August 2018
Consider the Benefits of Gastrocnemius Recession for Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis
Surgical management of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis has largely been limited to plantar fasciotomy. A potential alternative is effective, relatively safe, and reliable gastrocnemius recession, which addresses the effect of gastrocnemius muscle contracture on these patients.
By Joseph G. Wilson, DPM, T. Craig Wirt, DPM, PhD, Jonathan L. Hook, DPM, MHA Continue reading
August 2018
Patellofemoral Pain in Adolescents Presents a Treatment Challenge
Patellofemoral pain is a common condition among adolescents, with nearly 7% of the today’s adolescent population affected.1 It’s a particular burden for girls—it affects as many as 10% of adolescent female athletes2, and the pain likely shuts them out of sports at a similar rate to…
By Nicole Wetsman Continue reading
